WIND STILL A FACTOR BUT MARLIN PUTTING ON A SHOW AT EAST CAPE

April 23, 2005, Gary Graham, Baja On The Fly, East Cape, Baja California Sur, Mexico Fly Fishing Report:

East Cape wind continues to be a factor in the overall fishing. However, the marlin show has been extraordinary for this early in the year. It is unusual to have enough fish at this time to actually get enough shots to merit attempting the flyrod. The yellowfin tuna have appeared at East Cape and the catch numbers are climbing every week. What is missing is the sardina and mullet usually found along the beaches. Of course, that not only makes the beach fishing tough, with no bait for chum on the boats, it changes the strategy dramatically for the flyrodder.

Here is Lance's latest report of a beach day that he and co-Baja on the Fly guide Josh had this week:

We fished the beach hard today. We came in from the backside using my truck. We walked miles and blind cast diligently. There was not one fish to cast to in all the water we fished. There was very little if any bait. We only saw a few scattered ballyhoo, no mullet and no sardina. The beach was about as lifeless as we have yet seen it.

So, for now, we play a waiting game. Waiting for the wind to quit, and the sardina and mullet to arrive. I am sure in a few weeks, if we can wait that long, we will all be saying, "It was worth the wait."

Water temperature 69-76. Conditions clear.